With their socio-political message and musical blend of hip-hop, reggae and Latin American rhythms, Culcha Candela continue to defy easy categorisation. Formed in Berlin in the early 2000s, the band performs in English, German, Spanish and Patois, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of its members. With more than five million records sold, Culcha Candela performed their first open-air show in Germany of 2026 on May 8th at Sauerlandpark Hemer.
Sound reinforcement was provided by Hagen-based production company acoustic NETWORK, deploying a NEXO STM M28 line array system comprising left and right hangs of 12 x STM M28 modules. Low-frequency reinforcement was provided by three stacks of six STM 118 subwoofers positioned across the front of the stage, each topped with a NEXO P12 loudspeaker serving as a front fill.
On-stage side fill duties were handled by acoustic NETWORK’s newly acquired NEXO Alpha+ system. A single Alpha+ stack on each side of the stage provided precise and consistent coverage, performing a role once famously fulfilled by its illustrious predecessor, the original NEXO Alpha system of the 1990s.
“The new Alpha+ system, which we have already used successfully as a main PA system, impressed us across the board during this production” reports System Engineer Till Hausmann. “As a side fill solution, it delivers extremely high SPL while maintaining exceptional precision, intelligibility, low-mid impact and low-frequency extension. “For a high-energy show such as Culcha Candela, featuring numerous vocals, percussion elements and a bass-driven, dynamic stage performance, the system’s even and controlled coverage across the entire stage proved to be a significant advantage.”
“We immediately recognised the heritage of the legendary Alpha and Alpha E systems, which formed an integral part of our inventory for more than 25 years” adds acoustic NETWORK CEO Klaus-Peter Hornung. “At the same time, Alpha+ offers all the advantages of a modern NEXO solution in terms of sound quality, throw, coverage control and ease of deployment.
The system performed flawlessly and proved to be an ideal complement to our long-established STM M28 system.”
For further information about acoustic NETWORK and on Alpha+
